In an era defined by a climate crisis, resource depletion, and social inequality, design has emerged as a critical force—both as a contributor towards sustainable consumption and as a powerful catalyst for systemic change. While the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a necessary framework, the transition from “less harm” to “regenerative impact” requires a fundamental rethinking of design processes, materials, and values.
This symposium brings together designers, educators, policymakers, and researchers to explore how design can actively restore ecosystems, empower marginalised communities, and foster circular economies. Moving beyond eco-efficiency and incremental improvements, the event will look at the ethical dimensions of design decisions, the potential of biomaterials and nature-based solutions, and the role of participatory methodologies in shaping just and resilient futures.
By bridging theory and practice, and embracing complexity, uncertainty, and place-based knowledge, design can transform from a problem-solving tool into a world-making practice. Ultimately, designing for a sustainable future is not merely a technical challenge—it is a profound cultural and political endeavor that demands collective imagination and a strong engagement from the higher education sector.
